Wednesday, January 30, 2013

I am leaving Tampa Bay Damage and joining San Antonio X-Factor for the 2013 season. I have informed TBD of my intentions. A month ago this would not have even entered my mind but things change, including me, and in retrospect it doesn't seem so unlikely. (Nor did I ever imagine I would be a footnote in any silly season and yet--here it is.)
Last season with Damage was more of a struggle than the triumph I had almost expected and despite enough consistency to finish second in both major leagues the overall result was a disappointment because we expected better. That was followed by a long silent off season that didn't resolve itself until much later than normal. While retaining a significant role with Damage I felt things had changed irrevocably.
Within a similar time frame--the off season--doctors discovered a growth that was at first believed benign but after it was surgically removed earlier this month proved otherwise. I am presently still awaiting the results of some post op testing but I am moving forward and God willing all will be well. (It had been my intention to hold off on any public announcement until all the testing was complete so I didn't have to mention it at all but circumstances aren't keeping to my time table.)
It is amazing what sort of clarity a situation like this affords. I don't recommend it but it has led me to a new beginning.
Which brings me to X-Factor. First I want to thank Alex Martinez and the whole team for making my move possible. You have no idea how much I'm looking forward to getting started. Second I want to explain briefly why X-Factor. My evaluation is that this team has been thru the wars and retained a core of highly experienced and talented players while adding some motivated youthful talent that brings with it a new energy. They have won together and they have lost together and they have made a commitment to each other and displayed a fresh hunger to succeed. What more could anyone ask for? See y'all on the field.

Now, being more cynical, you might wonder if you just gave us a little bit of the inverse bad news sandwich.

-Bad news that makes fans / former teammates upset at you.-Even worse news that makes everyone sympathize with you and no longer upset.-Reminder of bad news with hopeful expectation that it's inspiring.

3:44 AnonI like your version best so that will be the "official" VFTD version from now on. The truth is sadly far less sly and clever. Since it may prove an ongoing issue I decided I didn't want to lie to friends which meant the word would eventually get out. This way I control it and there's no need to keep bringing it up.

Paul - Thank you for all your insight into this crazy world called "Paintball". We at WFC will always keep you in our prayers and wish you and X-factor the best of luck this up coming season - Looks like my son and I will have to add another team to the cheering roster - Damage, Upton, and now X-factor! Thank you Paul - we will be in touch...

Hey Paul,it's dan from katana. Wish you the best. Had i known just a week ago when you were up i would have shared some of my cancer experiences. I don't talk about it much, most people don't know, but yes i had cancer. And thank God i can say Had.i'll answer anything you need to know, been through it all.Godspeed and see you in Dallas.

Good luck, Coach.. So sorry to hear about your illness but glad it seems to be working out for the better. You can always go back to playing for your original team Voodoo.. We'd love to have youb ack on the field lugging 15 pods and turretting it out there..

Stay strong man, people come out of it all the time. My mom went through some nasty cancer stuff really long term and during a tough time in her life, just keep your head up and don't let it (or life in general) stress you out!

As for X-Factor, HELL YEA. One of my favorite teams... Damage was up there too but I have always loved watching X even when they were climbing the ranks.

Jesus coach, Now i have to bump one of my Offical picks for top four. In the future could you run any career moves by me please. Hope everything healthwise works itself out and I look forward to seeing San antonio X-Factor on the podium

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ABOUT

About Baca:
Baca Loco is the forum name I first used at P8ntballer.com and kept when I starting writing for PGi magazine, the late, lamented Paintball Games International. At various times I did gun reviews, event reports, the occasional feature, How-To’s & a monthly column entitled, View from the Deadbox. At one time or another I’ve done most everything you can do in paintball other than own a field or run a tourney series. For the last several years I have coached a number of pro teams and generally made a nuisance of myself whenever possible.

About VIEW FROM THE DEADOX:
One purpose of this blog is to encourage a dialogue about competitive paintball and permitting commenter anonymity is intended to encourage the participation of those who actually know what they are talking about. The rest of you are also welcome, even encouraged, to comment as well. (I don't really need any encouragement.)
The other purpose of this blog is to provide a focus for my attention deficit disorder and hold boredom at bay.

About my views:
Brilliant, visionary and almost always correct. Get used to it. Oh, and I'm humble too. Feel free to disagree as long as you are prepared to be wrong.

FAQ

How is paintball like golf? Golf is played outdoors on nice, well kept grass or, if something goes horribly wrong, off in the woods. Same with paintball.

How is a paintball made? What am I, Wikipedia?

Who are your sponsors? Who hasn't been one of my sponsors? I won't be trying to promote current sponsors on this blog nor will I take shots at non-sponsors. I don't give gun, goggle or gear advice so it really doesn't matter.

What's your view on cheating? It's wrong and has no place in the game. That's why I don't play scenario or Big Games.

What's your favorite marker? The free one.

Where did that awesome photo come from in the blog header? It is the work of photographer extraordinaire, Brandon Showers or the vixen with a Nikon (or maybe a Canon) Meagan Foster.

What's your favorite team? Grow up.

Who started the Rec vs. Tourney war? Some will say that's just the way it's always been. Others claim it's natural for the sides to be at odds. I say, aren't we all brothers under the goggles? I'm not sure but ask yourself who benefits? Follow the money. Could it be a covert plot of the Military Simulation Industrial Complex? As long as the war rages on there will be a demand for more paint, more markers and Big Paintball will continue to count its profits instead of the cost. Give peace a chance. That's all that I'm saying.

How do I get sponsored? You don't.

Will you send me any free stuff if I tell you what a big fan I am? No.

Is agg dead yet? Yes, it's time to move on to some new uber hip trendiness that everyone can follow to demonstrate their individuality.

Is it true the inside of Ollie Lang's gearbag smells like roses? No, strawberries and cream.